Forever Young: How to Control the Elongation, Differentiation, and Proliferation of Cells Using Nanotechnology

• Main Authors: R. G. Ellis-Behnke, Y. X. Liang, J. Guo, D. K. C. Tay, G. E. Schneider, L. A. Teather, W. Wu, K. F. So
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2009-09-01
• Series: Cell Transplantation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3727/096368909X471242

Within the emerging field of stem cells there is a need for an environment that can regulate cell activity, to slow down differentiation or proliferation, in vitro or in vivo while remaining invisible to the immune system. By creating a nanoenvironment surrounding PC12 cells, Schwann cells, and neural precursor cells (NPCs), we were able to control the proliferation, elongation, differentiation, and maturation in vitro. We extended the method, using self-assembling nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS), to living animals with implants in the brain and spinal cord. Here we show that when cells are placed in a defined system we can delay their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation depending on the density of the cell population, density of the matrix, and the local environment. A combination of SAPNS and young cells can be implanted into the central nervous system (CNS), eliminating the need for immunosuppressants.